GRC20310

This module introduces ancient Greek religion and ritual, with a particular focus on sanctuaries and sacred spaces. Students will engage with a variety of sources, including literary texts, inscriptions, archaeological evidence, and iconographic material, to develop a nuanced understanding of key Greek religious practices. By analysing the remains of temples, altars, treasuries, statues and iconography, students will gain insight into the practicalities of religious devotion and the significance of sacred places.

Religion was central to Greek life, shaping identity, civic duty, and reflecting cultural expression. Despite the absence of a direct ancient Greek word for "religion," the myths, rituals, and sacred places associated with Greek divinities remain among the most enduring aspects of ancient Greece. The module explores both theological and practical dimensions of Greek religion, examining Greek conceptions of the divine, methods of communication with the gods, and the moral and ritual obligations that shaped religious life.

A major focus of this module is the rituals and religious practices performed at sanctuaries such as Olympia, Delphi, and the Athenian Acropolis. These sacred spaces were not only centres of worship but also venues for political negotiations, athletic competitions, and artistic patronage. Key aspects of Greek worship, including sacrifices, libations, and votive offerings, will be explored. The module also examines religious festivals, such as the Olympic Games and the mystery rites at Eleusis in honour of Demeter and Persephone.

Tracing the origins and development of Greek sanctuaries from the Early Iron Age (ca. 900 BCE) to the Roman period, the module investigates how political shifts—including colonisation, tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy—influenced religious practices and sanctuary architecture.

Key Issues and Themes
• Identifying Ritual and Religion.
• Civic Identity and individual experience.
• Competition and religious expression.
• Artistic and Architectural developments in ancient Greece.
• Continuity and change in ritual practice.
• Human/Divine relations in ancient Greece.